2013 Brewers Growth Numbers Announced

The craft beer industry is chugging along at a steady incline, according to 2013 growth figures released by the Brewers Association (BA), the trade group that represents America’s small and independent craft brewers. In 2013, craft brewers, as defined by the BA, reached 7.8 percent volume of the total U.S. beer market, up from 6.5 percent in 2012. Consumer spending on craft beer is up as well; the BA estimates retail dollar share at $14.3 billion, up from $11.9 billion in 2012.

“‘With this stellar year, craft has now averaged 10.9 percent growth over the last decade,” said Bart Watson, staff economist for BA, in a press statement. “Beer drinkers are excited about what small and independent brewers are offering, and that is evidenced by the rising production and sales of the craft segment.”

As part of its annual report, the BA also released its list of the top 50 U.S. craft breweries based on 2013 sales volume. Boston Beer Co., Sierra Nevada, New Belgium and Gambrinus remained in the top four spots while Lagunitas Brewing Co. overtook Deschutes to claim spot No. 5. San Diego’s Ballast Point Brewing had the biggest jump, moving 17 spots to No. 29, while Duvel Moortgat USA, which acquired Kansas City’s Boulevard Brewing last October, is now the No. 8 craft brewer. Additionally, the number of operating breweries in the U.S. in 2013 totaled 2,882, including 413 new brewery opening sand 44 closings, according to the BA count.